Scottish elections: why did Labour see its worst result in the history of devolution?

Primary Author or Creator:
Kezia Dugdale
Publisher:
The National
Alternative Published Date
2026
Category:
Type of Resource:
Article
Fast Facts

Scottish Labour’s result in the 2026 election was its worst in devolution history

More details

The Labour Party won just three of the 38 target seats, the two it already held plus Na h-Eileanan an Iar. The Greens won Glasgow Southside, Almond Valley is now the second-safest SNP seat in the country and Labour came third behind Reform in Falkirk West.

Meanwhile, the failure to make the case for list votes alongside this key seat constituency strategy has cost Labour heavily.

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